Valley Gardening: Hardening off plants and people

By: Ruthie Brown - Updated: 2 years ago

Posted May 6, 2017

Everything is good in my neighborhood! By that I mean, I am gardening, the grand kids are healthy and life is good. I am thankful! So thankful!

Sometimes I write that I am going to do something, and then I don’t get it done—I think that happens to all of us. Way back in December or January, I said I was going to do some begging on the corner by the Loaf N’ Jug in East Alamosa. Either the weather was bad or something else came up and I didn’t get it done so….I am positively, absolutely, definitely going to be there from 8 a.m. to at least 11 a.m. (maybe noon) on SUNDAY and do my duty for Jaiden Rogers and his family. Jaiden continues to struggle—at his last doctor’s appointment this past Monday, he actually stopped breathing! Can you imagine…your child STOPS breathing—in front of you! Thank goodness he was at Children’s Hospital when this happened.

Jaiden continues with the experimental treatment for his lung “problem” that has yet to be named. His mom, Natalie, continues to raise money, begs for money, and whatever a parent has to do for their child. All of this, while she also has to budget and plan for a trip of her own. A trip for medical treatment on her own ailment. A treatment that is only done in Ireland.

On your way to church or on your way home from church, please stop by and see me—I may look pretty ridiculous in my Elf Getup? I’m used to folks laughing at me, so don’t worry about hurting my feelings—just bring a dollar or two, and be thankful! I don’t care if you even want to throw water balloons at me, as long as you donate!

Charlie and Peyton and Landon Sanchez just got back from the monthly trip to the Houston Children’s Hospital. It was an eventful trip—tornado warnings and emergency room visits. Peyton is absolutely my hero, totally my hero! I think when I do things for others, I am only channeling Peyton’s energy. Even with trials and tribulations that are coming his way, one of his goals for the summer is to have his lemonade stand at the Green Spot to raise money for a new building for the Valley Humane League—how honorable is that? Thank you for being my friend Peyton! I think back and wonder what I was like at 11 years old—and not battling NF! You are an inspiration!

I believe that Saturday (today) is going to be a great day for gardening! Sunday may be warm but looks like it is also predicted to be windy. Do your burning on Saturday morning! And not when it is supposed to be windy!

I picked up some beautiful plants this past Wednesday. For the most part, everything was put outside and is getting hardened off. What does that mean? It means that I have left them uncovered on my courtyard. I turned off the heater in the greenhouse and left the door open. Take that, you tomatoes and peppers and herbs. Hardening off does not mean that you don’t pay attention to the weather and cover with Nsulate if the weather is going to get below freezing. As I look at my phone, it seems like the next 15 days are going to be 33 degrees and warmer—YAHOO!

Many folks are also planting their broccoli, kale, cabbages, cauliflower, asparagus, carrots and beets. And spinach and some of the lettuces. All of those plants enjoy/tolerate cold weather. If you haven’t planted your peas from seed, you need to get after it—don’t procrastinate! If you are anxious, I also picked up some pretty nice pea plants—both shelling and sugar snap. Also…get your potatoes and onions in…it’s time. Remember…don’t burn when wind is predicted!

When I got back from picking up flowers on Wednesday, Willie Wade was waiting for me. He had been to the dentist so his cheek was pretty numb. The first thing he told me was how an ambulance, with lights and sirens on, was stuck on the other side of the train. According to Willie they were blocked for 15-20 minutes. Even if you cut that time in half, is that okay? I did make two phone calls trying to find out exact times, etc. but received no phone calls back. Par for the course, I guess. I’m not going to tell you who I called.

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